Alex Hawkins ’15- I have always been amazed by how fast time goes by during the summer, but it seems that this summer is going by particularly fast! This is unfortunate because this very well might be my last summer before having to go out into the “real world.” I am sure my fellow incoming seniors share this same feeling. It is summer break though, which means books are closed (for most of us) and Wallies across the nation are partaking in internships and other various jobs. I was lucky enough to land one!

Unfortunately, the internship I’m in did not place me somewhere amazing like Ft. Lauderdale (shout out to Stephen Fenton). Instead, I am located in good old Crawfordsville, Indiana. Now most people would dread being in here during the summer (especially for the second summer in a row), but fortunately for me, I have five fraternity brothers working internships around town. Sometimes I feel like I never even left the Phi Delt house, so it really isn’t that bad. Besides, once you turn 21, your options for things to do in Crawfordsville expands greatly. I am very thankful for the Lilly Endowment for providing the funding for this internship as well.

I’m interning for Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and my official title is Management and Marketing Intern. When I first arrived, I was told that the day-to-day operations would never really be the same. I didn’t quite realize the extent of this until after I worked my first week. From making calls, attending meetings, finding sponsors for our golf scramble and business expo, to making adjustments on their website and social media, each day presents new assignments.

One of my projects I recently finished was the aforementioned Chamber’s annual golf scramble. This project was a lot of fun and taught me many different things about organizing an event of this scale. It also helped prepare me for the project I am currently working on, the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. For this project I made the online registration form, made tons of phone calls, and sent a lot of emails. This project has been keeping me busy, but I am really enjoying talking with all the local businesses. Working on these projects has helped me further expand various professional skill sets including organizational and social skills; two key skills that I believe are essential in any kind of profession.

I only have two and a half weeks left with my internship, but I plan on milking the most I can out of it. I encourage all those with internships to attend the things that your business/organization provides and puts on. One thing I am looking forward to that the Chamber of Commerce puts on is our Breakfast-Before-Business: a networking opportunity for Chamber members. I have always thought of myself as a business-savvy guy, so I look forward to talking and networking with local business owners.

Wabash has really taught me how to network. Good luck to all with your summer internships, and I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus and having a great senior year.